The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 13 - 15 November 2026
Green light for trees on car-free George Street, city gridlock after bypass tragedy, happy 18th birthday Sneaky Pete's + get 25% off Gilded Saloon comedy shows
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. A busy end to the week. And a surprise is coming in Monday's edition... Here's your weekend Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Weekend weather forecast: Clear skies mean colder temperatures will continue over the weekend. There's a 30% chance of light showers today between 3pm-7pm. A risk of more light showers on Saturday and Sunday too. The temperature could drop to freezing overnight on Sunday in to Monday. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
- "Sleet is set to fall on the city next week," reckons Edinburgh Live.
🌅 Sunrise: 7.45am. Sunset: 4.08pm.
🚑 A 47-year-old woman lost her life after being hit by a van on the A720 city bypass on Wednesday night. A 22-year-old man was arrested. Police investigations shut the road in both directions for around 17 hours, re-opening yesterday around 2.45pm. - Police published this update and appealed for public help.
⮑ "These may be the worst delays we've ever seen." - The council's traffic updates service documented the knock-on impacts of the road closure, with widespread gridlock from the bypass all the way in to town affecting Fairmilehead, Oxgangs, Colinton, Redford, Craiglockhart, Longstone, Gillespie, Clovenstone, Wester Hailes, St John's Road, the A8 from Ingliston to Drum Brae and beyond. Bus diversions and delays continued in to last night.
🚦 Plans for a car-free George Street were approved yesterday - including new trees. Councillors pushed officers to include trees at an additional cost of around £350,000 within the new £20m plan. - Nicholas Malizia, Local Democracy Reporter, on Edinburgh Live.
- Motor vehicle access will be prohibited apart from taxis for disabled people, essential deliveries and blue badge holders. - Ross Hempseed, STV News.
- A two-way cycle lane will go into the middle of the street. William Duncan, chair of the George Street Association, said the new George Street design 'has widespread support from businesses'. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
- The money will come from Visitor Levy funding, the council confirmed in a press release.
🔐 'Abbeyhill tenants to remain in homes following eviction warning after politicians raise concerns' - Heather Carrick, Evening News.
🪫 Many of Edinburgh's creatives are planning to unite for the 'Stop AI data centres' march on Saturday. - They've teamed up to make this video about why they're protesting. There is a map of proposed data centres here and you can find details about Saturday's event here.
🏛️ Previously unseen archaeological discoveries and 'significant loans' from across Europe will be part of the 'Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire' exhibition opening at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street on Saturday. - Full details are here.
- 'Bronze leg found in Scottish bog sheds new light on Roman occupation' - Severin Carrell, The Guardian.
🎸 US rock act Foo Fighters are expected to announce a Murrayfield Stadium gig, after their logo was spotted in a light display at the venue. - r/edinburgh.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard - news you can use:
🌑 Private Studios & Desks Available | Leith - 'Coven is a creative co-working space located in the heart of Leith. We have two private studios and two dedicated desks available. Our memberships include 24/7 access, breakout areas, fast wifi and coffee machines. Email us at hello@covenstudios.uk (Deadline: 30 Nov)' - More details here, shared by Coven Studios.
🎯 KESTIN SAMPLE SALE [Until Sat]
Today, Fri 13 November - 'KESTIN SAMPLE SALE Contemporary Menswear Up to 80% off samples & old season Fri 13 Nov 10am - 5pm Sat 14 Nov 10am - 4pm Custom Lane, Leith Partnering with My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. £2 entry at the door goes to the charity'
10am to 5pm | Custom Lane · Leith - More details here, shared by KESTIN (and on Instagram).
🎷 Viper Swing at Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive
Today, Fri 13 November - 'Catch Viper Swing live this Friday, 13 Nov, at the Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club! Enjoy infectious 1920s-40s Hot Jazz, joyful improv, and gravelly vocals-perfect for dancing or listening.'
8pm to 11pm | Heriot's Rugby Club · Inverleith | £13.00 & £16.00 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club.
💐 Edinburgh Floral Art Club - 'Floral Art demonstration by Heather Curry “Winter Cheer” at 2pm, large hall St Columba’s Blackhall Church. Friday 13 November. All welcome, visitors £10. (Deadline: 13 Nov)' - Shared by Susan Stark, Edinburgh Floral Art Club.
⛪ St Margaret's Day Service at St Mary's Cathedral
Today, Fri 13 November - 'Former pupils of St. Margaret's School, Edinburgh, which closed in 2010, are invited to celebrate St. Margaret's Day at St. Mary's Cathedral. The celebration takes place the evening before the official opening of the St. Margaret's School Archive.'
5.30pm to 7pm | St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral · West End | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🥕 Balerno Farmers Market
Tomorrow, Sat 14 November - 'Wrap up warm this Saturday for another great morning of local shopping, delicious food and unique gifts. Whether you're stocking up for the weekend, Christmas shopping or just fancy a coffee and a wander, there's something for everyone.'
9am to 1pm | Balerno Main Street · Currie & Balerno | FREE - More details here, shared by C&B News. (Thanks, as always, Paul!)
🎨 Art for Breakfast - The Small Isles
Tomorrow, Sat 14 November - 'Join us for a special Art for Breakfast with Matthew Draper in conversation with journalist and author Jan Patience, exploring his new exhibition, The Small Isles.'
10.15am to 11am | The Scottish Gallery · New Town | 10 - More details here, shared by The Scottish Gallery.
🎨 Open Studios at WASPS Riverside House [Until Sun]
Tomorrow, Sat 14 November - 'Over 65 artist studios will be open to the public! Meet the artists and makers, see their work and get a glimpse into their working process. Featuring art sales and demonstrations throughout the day! Plus Edinburgh Food Social's Pop-up Cafe.'
11am to 6pm | Wasps Riverside House · Saughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Riverside House Artists.
🪩 Supper Club w/ Texture Texture
Tomorrow, Sat 14 November - 'Our all-vinyl, all-genre club night returns with a live set from the excellent Texture Texture 🪩'
8pm to 1am | The Safari Lounge · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank - More details here, shared by Supper Club.
🎄 Canongate Kirk Christmas Craft Fair
Tomorrow, Sat 14 November - 'Not-your-everyday shopping this Saturday, 11-2, at the Royal Mile's historic Canongate Kirk! Explore handcrafted gifts, festive Christmas décor, and delicious baked treats made with care. All proceeds to the Kirk. We look forward to seeing you!'
11am to 2pm | Canongate Kirk · Old Town - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎹 Music at Noon: Georgiana Grecu and Michael Gemmell
Tomorrow, Sat 14 November - 'Georgiana Grecu and Michael Gemmell are students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. They perform a programme of piano duets including music by Grieg, Brahms, Rachmaninoff and Debussy.'
12pm to 1pm | Edinburgh New Town Church · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Ian Munro.
🍷 Cork & Cask Winter Wine Fair
Tomorrow, Sat 14 November - 'Come spend the afternoon tasting a huge selection of our wine range. Always a lovely community event, this year we have even more fine wines,& spirits on tasting. All tasters on the day are included in the ticket price. Over 18's only.'
1pm to 5pm | Marchmont St. Giles’ Parish Church · Marchmont & Meadows | £30 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎨 PRESSURE: Expressive Marks in Monotype - art workshop
Sun 15 November - 'Join artist Jules Bradbury to explore monotype, the simple printmaking technique. A relaxed Sunday afternoon session suitable for all levels, discover exercises to help you make work that is unique to you.'
2pm to 4.30pm | Summerhall Arts · Southside | £36.25 / £29.25 - More details here, shared by Summerhall Arts.
🍸 Jorum Fragrance Workshop
Sun 15 November - 'Join Jorum Studio at The Hoxton, Edinburgh for an afternoon of fragrance, cocktails and creativity. Enjoy a perfume workshop, three drinks, Patatino sharing bites, a miniature bouquet and a goodie bag to take home.'
2pm to 4pm | The Hoxton · Haymarket & Dalry | £65 - More details here, shared by The Hoxton, Edinburgh.
🧵 Intuitive Embroidery Workshop [Every Sunday]
Sun 15 November - 'In these stitching sessions, you'll learn traditional embroidery techniques while free-stitching without a pattern. No experience necessary. All materials are provided. £40 for one class or £120 for all 4!'
2pm to 4.30pm | Action Station · Portobello | £40 - More details here, shared by Lucinda Walker, Portobello Art Therapy Collective.
🏳️🌈 Afternoon Tea with Jenny T.
Sun 15 November - 'Come for the tea, stay for the chaos! Grab a drink, relax, and let Jenny Tailia serve up an unforgettable event of glamour, comedy and drag entertainment: an afternoon packed with live vocals, lip-sync performances, audience interaction and laughs'
2pm to 4pm | The Tailor Cafe + Wine Bar · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | FREE - More details here, shared by The Tailor.
🧘 5 Week Gentle Pilates Course [Every Monday]
Mon 16 November - 'Suitable for all including older adults, those recovering from injury, and those who enjoy a mindful exercise practice. In a beautiful light filled studio near Leith Walk, join Emma for 5 weeks of Pilates to stretch and strengthen the body.'
12.30pm to 1.30pm | Ashtanga Yoga Edinburgh & Hillside Collective · Canonmills & Broughton - More details here, shared by Emma McCready.
🏛️ LCCC monthly meeting
Mon 16 November - 'The next Leith Central Community Council meeting is next Monday! We discuss items of interest to the area in planning, parks, etc. Special item this time: Powderhall cycle/pedestrian route. Everyone welcome, it's a great way to voice your concerns.'
7pm to 9pm | McDonald Road Library · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Martina Pugliese, LCCC.
🎥 DOCo#024: I Paint All Day, Every Day Work-in-Progress Screening
Mon 16 November - 'In November we are hosting a work-in-progress screening and feedback session of the short documantary, "I Paint All Day, Every Day" directed by Oliwia Szóstka in collaboration with Robbie Anderson about Hungarian street artist Valér 'Sior' Fekete'
7pm to 10pm | Basement @ Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative · Bruntsfield | FREE - More details here, shared by DoCo.
🎸 Martin Simpson
Mon 16 November - 'Join us for a night with Martin Simpson, one of England's most revered performers. He's widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, and his interpretations of trad songs are masterpieces of storytelling.'
8pm to 10.30pm | Traverse Theatre · Tollcross | £22/£17 - More details here, shared by Jane-Ann, The Soundhouse Organisation.
🪩 Sneaky Pete's presents Clubbing's Not Dead
Mon 11 January - 'Clubbing's Not Dead is Sneaky Pete's celebration of club and electronic music culture featuring Young Fathers (DJ), Slam, Bimini, Gerd Janson, DJ Storm, Dame Area, Conducta and more'
7pm to 11.59pm | Sneaky Pete's · Old Town - More details here, shared by Sneaky Pete's.
Remember you can always see all 300+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
🛝 Plenty of family-friendly things to do this weekend and beyond in Gayle's Guide, including: Diwali celebrations, Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns, Push the Boat Out poetry festival and more...
Gayle's Guide
🪔 The annual Diwali Festival of Lights is on Sunday, with a parade starting at St Andrew Square from 12.30pm, live music at the Ross Bandstand from 3pm and fireworks from 6.30pm. - More details here.
🏆 Whittled down from 140 nominations from across the city's creative community, 32 individuals, organisations and projects are on the shortlist for tonight's 15th annual Creative Edinburgh Awards. The event is at Central Hall in Tollcross from 6pm and tickets are here. It's the cultural highlight of the year! See you there.
📆 What else is on this weekend in town? The next bit is for paying subscribers only…
🎟️ Have a laugh tonight: Here's a Minute exclusive just for you: get 25% off Gilded Saloon's Friday comedy show (USE PROMO CODE: MINUTE75). Tonight's line-up: Eva Peroni (MC), Robin Grainger, Daniel Petrie and more to be announced. Doors at 8.30pm.
In the interest of keeping the arts and live comedy as accessible as possible, Gilded Balloon has kindly introduced a Pay What You Can ticket option for all customers. These tickets start at £2 (not including booking fee). The venue offers up to 20 Pay What You Can tickets per week. So get involved! Tap the image below to get to the listings and don't forget that promo code: MINUTE75
🛍️ This weekend’s traders in the Grassmarket, Leith and Stockbridge markets are all listed here. Granton's Pitt mini mart is on Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 5pm. The trader line-up is here.
🛍️ Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith hosts a Weekend Sewing Camp + the Wee Gay Market, both on Saturday. - Full details here.